What happens when fear, stoked by aggressive immigration enforcement, becomes as dangerous to our health as the disease itself?

For Black and Latino Americans—particularly those from immigrant backgrounds—the intersection of diabetes and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) activity is not just a policy debate; it’s a matter of life and death. From the Somali neighborhoods of Minneapolis to the Latino corridors of the Southwest, we are witnessing a silent scourge that threatens to roll back decades of hard-won health gains.

This episode of the African American Diabetes Podcast goes beyond the typical health conversation! Leon Rock, Podcast Host chats with Eric Kennedy, a true visionary who transformed his diabetes and Congenital Insensitivity to Pain (CIP) diagnosis into a driving force for advocacy and systemic change.

From empowering individuals to leading prison reform with Mass CURE, Eric's journey is a testament to the power of purpose.

Tune in, Wednesday, Jan 7th 2026 at 7PM!

Leon Rock, Host of the African American Diabetes Podcast is unpacking the REAL reason diabetes rates are so high in the Black community. It’s not just genetics—it’s RACISM, STRESS, and BAD POLICY. Get the facts, reclaim your health, and find out how you can join the African American Diabetes Association to build hyper-local power!

"Mommy, I Think I Have Diabetes": The Power of Listening to Black Youth.

Family, pull up a chair to the circle! This week, we are reclaiming our bloodline.

We are honored to sit down with Jamala Lesane, a woman walking in a powerful legacy (cousin to the legendary Tupac Shakur). But today, she’s fighting a different kind of war—the battle for our health.

In this powerful episode, we discuss: The moment her young daughter diagnosed herself with diabetes. How they decolonized their diet without losing the Soul. Breaking generational curses and protecting our Black youth.

This isn’t just a medical conversation; it’s a liberation conversation. It’s time to heal the village.

Beyond the Headlines: A Mother and Daughter's Unbreakable Bond.

Hear the full story behind the local and national news clips that inspired the community: the day Samantha Mason called for help to save her diabetic mother, Sharon Mason.

Podcast Host Leon Rock talks with the Masons about the intergenerational impact of diabetes, the unique challenges Sharon faced in managing her condition, and how Samantha’s childhood heroism shaped her educational path. Discover how their family's experience informs Samantha's passion for health equity, fostered at an HBCU and continuing now at the University of Maryland.

Get ready for an emotional, inspiring part 2 episode, of a 2 part series that defines true family strength.

Beyond the Headlines: A Mother and Daughter's Unbreakable Bond.

Hear the full story behind the local and national news clips that inspired the community: the day Samantha Mason called for help to save her diabetic mother, Sharon Mason.

Podcast Host Leon Rock talks with the Masons about the intergenerational impact of diabetes, the unique challenges Sharon faced in managing her condition, and how Samantha’s childhood heroism shaped her educational path. Discover how their family's experience informs Samantha's passion for health equity, fostered at an HBCU and continuing now at the University of Maryland.

Get ready for an emotional, inspiring part 1 episode, of a 2 part series that defines true family strength. Part 2 release on November 1, 2025, The beginning of Diabetes Awareness Month 2025.

Join us for an open, honest discussion about the unique challenges, triumphs, and crucial conversations surrounding Diabetes and organ donation within the African American community. This week's podcast explores how diabetes disproportionately impacts African Americans, the realities of kidney and other organ failure, and the life-saving potential of becoming an organ donor. Join me with my special guest, Latrice Price, Community Outreach Supervisor with Infinite Legacy as she shares empowering stories, expert insights, and practical advice to foster better health outcomes and inspire a legacy of generosity. Learn how to advocate for your health, navigate the donation system, and save lives. Here on the African American Diabetes Podcast.

Stop scrolling. This is the most crucial 20 minutes you'll spend on your health this week. Host Leon Rock is firing up the "real talk" about a silent diagnosis that's stalking our community: prediabetes. It's not just a warning; it's a WAKE-UP CALL. For too long, the narrative around diabetes has been about managing the crisis. Today, we're flipping the script to focus on PREVENTION.

Prediabetes is the yellow light right before it slams into red, and for African Americans, that transition is faster and more dangerous. We break down what this "new" diagnosis actually is, why it disproportionately targets us, and—most importantly—the concrete, culturally relevant steps you can take right now to reclaim your health and dodge a Type 2 diagnosis. Don't wait for the red light. Tune in, get the knowledge, and let's turn this thing around!

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